Fiddles have gradually been subsumed by synthesizers in contemporary country music. Cody Johnson defies the trend. Earthy songs like “Me and My Kind,” “Proud” and “Give a Cowboy a Kiss” on his appropriately titled 2014 breakout album “Cowboy Like Me” are accentuated by down-home violin flourishes. The Texan’s authenticity isn’t feigned. He’s a former prison guard who has competed in rodeos. Johnson’s fans embrace his impeccable country credibility. Thursday’s concert is sold out. With Randall King.

8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11. The Truman. 816-205-8560. The face value of tickets to the sold out concert is $22. Details are available thetrumankc.com.

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Krizz Kaliko is the secret weapon of the Strange Music empire. The multitalented man born William Christopher Watson in Kansas City in 1974 is best known as the right-hand man of rap star Tech N9ne. Kaliko sings the hooks of Tech N9ne favorites including “Caribou Lou” and “Welcome to the Midwest.” He’s also a deft rapper with formidable verbal dexterity. Instantly memorable songs like “Abu Dhabi,” “Didn’t Wanna Wake You” and “Talk Up on It” on Kaliko’s six solo albums showcase his off-kilter pop instincts.

When Chris Young and Alan Jackson collaborated on a rendition of the tender Christmas song “There’s a New Kid in Town” last month, the riveting duet acted as a symbolic passing of the country torch. Young, a newly crowned star, can be viewed as Jackson’s successor. While Young’s hits like “Sober Saturday Night” and “Aw Naw” aren’t quite as traditional as Jackson’s classic material, his tawny voice possesses a similarly hardy texture. With Kane Brown and Lanco.

Goth kids need sex symbols too. Andy Biersack is a delectably dour idol for hundreds of thousands of black-clad, mascara-smeared youth. Akin to a heavy metal version of Justin Bieber, Biersack gives voice to the dreams and doubts of his adolescent admirers as the leader of Black Veil Brides. “Vale,” the California-based band’s fifth album, will be released on Friday, a momentous convergence that should make the evening’s concert seem particularly auspicious. With Asking Alexandria and Crown the Engine.

Tattooed and muscular, Brett Young is one of the most striking leading men in country music. The two chart-topping singles Young released in 2017 transformed the native Californian from a promising aspirant to a strong contender for massive stardom. He nurses a broken heart on “Like I Love You” and confesses his devotion on “In Case You Didn’t Know.” “Sleep Without You,” Young’s marginally less successful 2016 breakout hit, betrays a similar romanticism. With Ross Ellis.

The members of Mimicking Birds are exceptionally agile parrots. The boyishly high voice and clever wordplay of the Portland-based indie-rock band’s Nate Lacy often evokes the sound of vintage Simon & Garfunkel hits. Mimicking Birds’ recordings also echo the psychedelic production techniques associated with more recent artists like Animal Collective and Grizzly Bear. “Layers of Us,” Mimicking Bird’s third album, will be released later this month on Glacial Pace, the record label overseen by Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse. With Pageant Boys.

The lush terrains of Jamaica and Hawaii are strikingly similar. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, consequently, that the people of Hawaii have long embraced Jamaica’s distinctive musical export. The Green creates reggae that’s as inviting as the water at Lanikai Beach on the band’s base on the island of Oahu. The Green may not pass muster with reggae purists, but the group’s inclusive approach has made it one of the most popular practitioners of the form. With Sammy Johnson and Leilani Wolfgramm.

Ardent admirers of Dan Bejar may not have mourned the 2016 death of Leonard Cohen with as much anguish as many fans of the iconic singer/songwriter. Realizing that Bejar, 45, is Cohen’s worthy successor made the loss seem less catastrophic. As the Canadian man behind Destroyer and as a member of the New Pornographers, Bejar composes wry, intelligent songs in the formidable tradition of Cohen. Bejar is touring in support of his 11th solo album, “Ken.” With Mega Bog.